Service. An act of helpful activity. Sounds simple. Hey, they even threw the word “activity” in there. Makes it sound like some sort of diversion or leisurely pleasure. And I’ll give you that. Serving does bring joy, and in many situations can feel like an “activity”. If you see a person in need, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it’s sometimes second nature to want to lend a helping hand to do what you can to fulfill that need. Then, you in turn, hope that when you’re in need, that person will give back to you what they’ve been given. But what if they don’t? What about the things you do that go unnoticed or unacknowledged? What about the favors given out that are not returned? That’s where things get tricky. That’s where serving people can become hard. For me, that’s where the rubber meets the road, and I find out what I’m really made of. Why am I really serving in the first place? Is it so I can get something in return? If that’s my heart in serving, then I really am not having God’s heart when I’m serving. No matter how many times I’ve been here in this place, I still keep coming back. I give so much, look for something in return, and when I find nothing, I become bitter and resentful towards those I serve. I reach the point where I feel spent and that I’ve given perhaps too much. I want to retreat. Maybe serve a little less. When I try that, I can’t, though. It’s like no matter how much I want to “take a break” from serving others, I just simply cannot. I guess that’s almost the same as saying I want a break from my Christian life. It doesn’t really work. What I really need is an attitude check. What is my motive for serving in the first place? If I’m serving to get something from the people I’m serving, I will never ever be satisfied. My expectations will always remain unmet. Jesus gives us clear instructions as to what our attitude should be when serving. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). When we serve, Jesus is to be our point person. He’s the one we should be directing our service towards. We should be doing things for others in order to bring Him fame. He should be glorified not only in how we serve, but also in our attitude behind it. He looks more at our heart behind our actions than what we are actually doing. Oh that God would come, and change my heart that I could serve freely, purely, unreservedly. That my only aim would be to bring glory to His name. Then, and only then, will I discover the joy of true service.
"Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." -1 Timothy 3:13
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Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog; very well said. It is so true when it comes to human nature, how we want to receive as much if not more than we ever give if we do give at all.
I find that there are times when I would like to give BIG because of my "exploded" desire to help others in need but then end up doing nothing. I need to remind myself that just a thank you or a kind word can lift another persons spirit.
btw: I'm proud of you and what you have accomplished. Keep up all the good work and things you are doing. You truely are a servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.